Alumni Awards

Alumni who have provided service to Columbia College, their community or have been outstanding in their professional field may be honored through the Columbia College Alumni Association recognition program. 

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Recipients, who will be recognized among family and friends at the banquet and presentation on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Make a gift in honor of an awardee by dedicating your donation.

  • 2024 Professional Achievement Award: Brigadier General Gary Charlton II ’95
    • Gradate of former Hancock Field, New York Location. Brig. Gen. Charlton has exhibited a commitment to excellence and top-flight leadership throughout his decorated 34-year career in the Air National Guard, now serving as director of operations. In this role, he is responsible for managing resources to support the operations of the Air National Guard’s 90 wings across the country. He previously served as the commander of the 105th Airlift Wing, based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. As a combat veteran, Gen. Charlton served on seven deployments – three while enlisted – including Operations Desert Shield and Storm, and Northern Watch.
  • 2024 Jane Froman Courage Award: Sandra Nichols, MD ’80
    • Graduate of Day Campus in Columbia, MO. Dr. Sandra Nichols recently retired as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at United HealthCare and is actively engaged in speaking, volunteerism and community involvement. She has demonstrated incredible leadership to CC through her service as a trustee and through her generosity in memory of her mother, Ether L. Bruce, for whom the math tutoring center is named. She has shown courage by pressing on in the face of significant health challenges – truly epitomizing resilience, grace and advocacy, while gaining an appreciation for and setting an example of work-life balance.
  • 2024 Columbia College Service Award: Carol Winkler ’93
    • Graduate of Evening Campus in Columbia MO. Mrs. Winkler has tirelessly served CC for 17 years as an active member of the Board of Trustees as well as 25 years as an engaged member of the CCAA Advisory Council. She has consistently demonstrated generosity as a member of the President’s Society, St. Clair Society and Cornerstone Club. We are forever grateful for the time, talent and treasure she has shared in support of Columbia College students. She and her husband, Darrell, can frequently be found in the stands supporting our CC athletes. 
  • 2024 Honorary Alumni Award: The Froman Fans Hon. ’24
    • For decades, there has been a dedicated group of fans of Christian College alumna Jane Froman ’26. This group has worked tirelessly to keep her legacy vibrant for the students of today. Jane Froman was an accomplished singer and actor. She volunteered for the USO and demonstrated incredible perseverance after a plane crash that left her with devastating injuries. This group of dedicated fans admire Jane for a wide variety of reasons. They have supported the archives at Columbia College, the Boone County Historical Society and the State Historical Society of Missouri. You would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated group of hard-working, passionate people than the Froman Fans, and it’s our honor to bestow upon them the dignified title of Honorary Alumni, 2024. 

Nominations

You are encouraged to submit a nomination! The annual selection of recipients of the CCAA Alumni Awards shall be based on the following purposes:

  • To recognize the alumni of the college who have rendered distinguished service to the communities in which they live and to the general public as a result of exceptional achievement.
  • To honor the college by giving suitable recognition to its outstanding alumni thereby reflecting credit on the educational program of the college.
  • To inspire and encourage other alumni of the college to make outstanding contributions to society.
  • To promote a stronger bond of fellowship among the alumni.
  • To stimulate a continued interest in and loyalty to the college.

submit a nomination

Nominations for the 2024 Alumni Awards closed on February 9, 2024. Nominations are now open for the 2025 Alumni Awards. All alumni and friends of Columbia College are invited to submit nominations for the CCAA Alumni Awards. Submit a nomination online, or download the application form. For assistance, email ccalum@ccis.edu.

Distinguished Alumni Award
  • Achieved regional or national recognition in his/her field.
  • Rendered service to Columbia College or service to his/her local community.
Professional Achievement Award
  • Attained outstanding success in his/her chosen career field within the last 10 years.
  • Award may be bestowed on more than one candidate.
Columbia College Service Award
  • Promoted and served Columbia College.
  • Made significant contributions and has maintained a relationship with the college.
Community Service Award

  • Demonstrated outstanding contribution in serving his/her community.

Jane Froman Courage Award
  • Demonstrated perseverance to overcome personal obstacles while continuing to better himself/herself personally or professionally.
  • Displays a spirit of courage in daily life.
Honorary Alumni Award
  • Has contributed greatly to Columbia College of their time, their talent or monetarily.
  • Is not a graduate of Columbia College.